Some 150 high school girls from across Arkansas spent Tuesday at the state Capitol diving into mock legislation, political debate and civic engagement — not at the long-standing Girls State program, but at a newly organized alternative called the Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute.
The institute was launched this year by state Sen. Breanne Davis, R-Russellville, and state Rep. DeAnn Vaught, R-Horatio, after the American Legion Auxiliary canceled the 2026 Arkansas Girls State program. That decision left hundreds of young women without a spot in the 77-year-old civic education event, which typically prepares high school girls for roles in government and leadership.
“We heard from girls all over the state who were ready to participate and had missed the application window, or whose schools didn’t submit their applications on time,” Davis said. “We weren’t going to let them lose this opportunity.”
The Auxiliary cited a need to restructure the program as the reason for the cancellation, though it did not offer a timeline for when it might return. In past years, Girls State has been held at various Arkansas colleges, including the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. The program typically runs in late May or early June and brings together hundreds of rising high school seniors for a hands-on lesson in local and state government.
The Civic Leadership Institute filled that gap this year with a one-day event that mirrored many of the activities Girls State offers — including mock legislative sessions, committee meetings and a gubernatorial inauguration. Participants came from cities like Paragould, Little Rock, Hot Springs and Fayetteville, with some traveling more than three hours to be in attendance.
Rep. Carol Dalby, R-Bentonville, was among the lawmakers who helped facilitate the day’s events. In one session, she guided Anna Smith of Paragould as she signaled her intent to speak on a mock bill — part of a structured simulation designed to teach young women how state government works.
“It was inspiring to see these girls step up, ask questions, and engage in real political discourse,” Dalby said. “They weren’t just playing roles. They were thinking critically about the issues.”
Participants were divided into mock cities and counties, where they debated legislation, appointed officials and drafted bills. By the end of the day, they had elected a governor and other state-level positions — all while learning parliamentary procedure and the nuts and bolts of civic participation.
For many attendees, the experience was a rare chance to engage directly with state government. Some said they were already considering careers in public service or law.
“I didn’t know how bills actually got passed,” said Maddie Johnson, a student from Bentonville who attended the event. “Now I feel like I could actually see myself working in politics one day.”
Davis and Vaught said they hope the Civic Leadership Institute becomes an annual event — even if Girls State returns. They plan to expand it next year and are working with educators and civic groups to secure funding and logistics support.
“This isn’t meant to replace Girls State,” Vaught said. “But we’ve learned there’s a real need for civic education opportunities that are accessible, inclusive and ready when students are.”
The institute’s emergence comes at a time when civic engagement among young people is being closely watched. With voter participation among 18- to 29-year-olds hovering below 50% in most elections, programs like these aim to build a foundation for lifelong involvement in democracy.
Some participants said they had first learned about the event through their high school social studies teachers or local civic clubs — including the League of Women Voters, which has been active in promoting youth civic engagement in Northwest Arkansas and beyond.
As the day wrapped up, students gathered for a closing ceremony where they reflected on what they’d learned. For many, it wasn’t just about how a bill becomes a law — it was about how their voices matter in shaping it.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
